Flavivirus infections are caused by vector-borne RNA viruses which infect a wide variety of animals. They may induce fetal mortality, congenital anomalies, acute flaccid paralysis, encephalitis, vascular shock syndrome, and hepatitis in people. Most countries contain at least one epidemic flavivirus, placing millions at risk of infection. Flaviviruses have spread over the globe, affecting up to 400 thousand individuals every year. The huge rise of flaviviruses during the past 50 years has been ascribed to climatic changes, increased population numbers, and greater worldwide travel.
Furthermore, this will vary on the virus, although usually, laboratory professionals who interact with viruses and individuals in places where illnesses are prevalent are at risk. Most flavivirus infections persist in animal reservoirs in the environment and are primarily spread to humans via the bite of a tick or infected mosquito. Transfer of contaminated tissue may result in the human-to-human spread.
